Lorraine Mae Vopava

Lorraine Mae Vopava age 94, of Protivin, IA, died Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco, IA.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin with Rev. Nick Radloff celebrating the Mass. Inurnment will be held at Bohemian National Cemetery, rural Spillville.
Friends may greet the family one hour before the Memorial Mass at the church in Protivin.
Lorraine Mae Vopava passed away surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. She was born on October 4, 1931, on the family farm in rural Howard County. Lorraine was the daughter of James and Mayme (Komarek) Doubek. She attended country school and Protivin Catholic Schools, where she formed the foundation of her lifelong dedication to faith, family, and community.
Lorraine met the love of her life at the famous dance hall in Spillville, Iowa. She and Robert Vopava's love story began with a dance, followed by 53 years of marriage and 6 beautiful daughters. They were married on November 5, 1949, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Milwaukee, WI, and together they returned to the family farm outside of Protivin. There, they raised their six daughters, creating a home filled with laughter, love, hard work and the occasional teasing from Dad. Bob was quite spoiled with all the women in the house doting on him.
Lorraine was a believer in the importance of a good education. She returned to school in 1969 to complete her education, getting her GED, proudly sharing her graduation year with her second oldest daughter. This accomplishment reflected her belief in lifelong learning and the importance of setting an example for her children.
As a devoted homemaker, Lorraine made a career out of nurturing her family and managing the farm. She was a hard worker inside the home, outside on the farm and in the garden. Lorraine was also an active member of the church and community. She was proud to be a Eucharistic Minister at church. She worked the lunch stand at the Cresco sale barn. Lorraine started working at Larson's in Protivin, then worked at The Mint where she became known for her culinary talents in cooking and bartending, serving the local patrons with a smile that never waned.
Lorraine baked delicious Kolaches and fresh-baked bread. She loved sharing the bounty of her garden, and her culinary skills were a highlight at church fundraisers.
Lorraine's home was a hub of warmth and hospitality, known for the delightful Sunday breakfasts she hosted for her family right up until the last days. Her presence radiated comfort and care, making her an unforgettable part of her community and an irreplaceable figure in her family's lives.
Lorraine Mae Vopava's journey through life was marked by the simple, profound acts of kindness that defined her. She leaves behind a family that adored her and a community that respected her.
Lorraine is survived by her 6 daughters: Susan Hayek of Decorah, Sandi Riha of Harpers Ferry, Sharon (Jim) Panos of Protivin, Mary Moen (Gordy Snitker) of Decorah, LouAnn (Matt) Collins of Franklin, WI, and Roberta (Gary) Swestka of Protivin; 17 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert, in 2002; son-in-law, Bud Riha; sister, Delores (Kenny) Dunt; and brother, Eugene (Shirley) Doubek.